The Indian Ocean islands of Comoros, Madagascar, and Mayotte are bracing for the arrival of Cyclone Chido, an intense tropical storm expected to bring severe winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread disruption. The cyclone, which is steadily advancing toward Africa’s east coast, has prompted urgent measures across the region to minimize its impact.
Comoros Takes Precautions
In Comoros, a small archipelago in the Indian Ocean, authorities ordered the closure of schools on Friday in preparation for Cyclone Chido’s anticipated arrival early Saturday. The storm is expected to pass the northern tip of Madagascar before reaching Comoros.
The French territory of Mayotte, located south of Comoros, is also in the cyclone’s path. The French national weather service has placed Mayotte on its highest alert level, issuing a red alert starting Friday night.
Madagascar Prepares for Severe Impact
In Madagascar, the northern Diana region is expected to face the brunt of Cyclone Chido. Authorities issued imminent danger warnings and initiated precautionary evacuations in affected areas. Nearly 20,000 people are estimated to be at risk.
Since Tuesday, Madagascar’s government has been delivering essential supplies, including food, water pumps, generators, and chainsaws, to bolster the region’s preparedness. Alerts have been broadcast via radio and text messages, urging residents to take immediate precautions.
Mayotte Mobilizes Emergency Support
The French government has dispatched 110 emergency workers to Mayotte, including firefighters from Reunion Island and specialists in search-and-rescue operations. Additionally, three tons of emergency equipment, including search dogs, have been sent to aid in disaster response.
Col. Frédéric Leguillier, head of Mayotte’s fire and rescue service, emphasized the importance of rapid response capabilities in the face of potential devastation.
Mozambique and Beyond on High Alert
On the African mainland, Mozambique issued a red alert for its northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, where Cyclone Chido is expected to make landfall early Sunday. The Mozambique National Meteorological Institute forecasted winds of up to 200 kilometers per hour (124 mph), posing a serious threat to the region.
Ana Cristina, director of Mozambique’s National Emergency Operations Center, warned that approximately 2.5 million people could be affected. Preparations are underway to rescue and support those in need.
Even landlocked Zimbabwe is expected to experience the cyclone’s effects, highlighting the storm’s extensive reach.
Cyclone Season and Climate Concerns
The Indian Ocean region’s cyclone season, spanning December to March, has seen increasingly severe storms in recent years. Notable examples include Cyclone Idai in 2019, which claimed over 1,300 lives across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, and Cyclone Freddy in 2022, which left more than 1,000 dead.
Climate change is widely believed to be exacerbating the intensity and frequency of these storms, according to scientific studies.
Health and Environmental Risks
Crisis24, a risk management firm, warned that Cyclone Chido could trigger flooding, landslides, and stagnant water pools, potentially leading to deadly outbreaks of cholera, dengue fever, and malaria. Such health crises were observed in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, underscoring the importance of comprehensive disaster response efforts.
A Region on Edge
As Cyclone Chido advances, affected nations are working tirelessly to mitigate its impact. From evacuation plans to the deployment of emergency personnel, the region’s preparedness efforts reflect the urgency of the situation.
This storm serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threats posed by climate change and the critical need for resilience in the face of natural disasters.
